Because as an EMT you have a moral and ethical obligation to do so, and it helps keep your crew in good health.

If in doubt...

...take standard precautions.

Which four communicable diseases are of particular concern to an EMT?

1) Hepatitis B
2) Hepatitis C
3) Tuberculosis
4) AIDS

Hepatitis B and C are extremely hardy viruses. So what assumption can you make about body fluids -- dried or otherwise -- that will keep you safe?

Assume that body fluid in ANY form is infectious.

What assumption can you make about any patient with a productive cough that will keep you safer from tuberculosis (TB)?

Assume that any patient with a productive cough is infected with TB.

Where can one expect an increased chance of contracting tuberculosis?

You can expect higher tuberculosis infection rates in nursing homes, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and anywhere there's a crowd living in a confined space for long periods of time.

How can AIDS be transmitted to an EMT?

AIDS can be transmitted by contact with blood via open wounds, needle sticks, or blood transfusions. A patient with a history of intravenous drug use and unprotected sex is more likely to have the disease.

What must an EMT do after any suspected exposure incident -- including mucous membrane or broken-skin contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials -- that happen on the job?

An EMT must report it immediately.

What is the Ryan White CARE act?

The Ryan White CARE act mandates a procedure by which EMTs, firefighters, police, and first responders can seek to find out if they have been exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases while providing patient care.

In regards to the Ryan White CARE act, what does every emergency response organization have?

By what process is an EMT informed that he or she was exposed to an airborne disease?

Once the patient is diagnosed at the hospital, the hospital will let the designated officer know that the patient was infected, and the designated officer will notify the EMT.

By what process is an EMT informed that he or she was exposed to a bloodborne disease?

An EMT must request a follow-up from their designated officer after a body-fluid exposure incident. The designated officer will gather the information necessary to determine whether or not the patient was infected.

If an emergency worker requests it, will a hospital have the power to require that a patient be tested for bloodborne illness?